International Information

Samples arrive at the Dairy One Forage Lab from across the globe on a daily basis. Following the 5 steps below will help insure that your samples pass smoothly through US Customs, arrive at the lab in good condition, and that you receive the analyses that you desire.

Send only samples of plant origin, for example, forages, grains, and grain byproducts. Do not send animal byproducts or samples that contain animal byproducts as an ingredient. These samples will be rejected by US Customs and destroyed. There is also the risk that an entire shipment will be destroyed if it is found that one sample in the shipment contains animal byproducts. Do not send animal byproducts.

Sample preparation

Dry hay, grains and commodities generally ship with no threat of spoilage

Fully fermented silage samples generally arrive in good condition if they arrive at the lab within one week

Wet samples such as pastures, fresh forages and silages (if shipping will take more than one week) should be shipped frozen or predried to avoid spoilage. Preferably, wet samples should be dried prior to shipping. This provides the best insurance against spoilage. Oven dry samples at 50-60C to avoid damaging the sample. Go to the following page for instructions on microwave drying.

Sample size

The USDA and FDA have special requirements. A permit from the USDA must accompany all shipments. Go to the following page to apply for a copy of our USDA permit and to receive information regarding FDA requirements.

Documentation

Sample submittal forms/payment

Itemized shipping list (List A.)

Mixed Feed List (List B.)

USDA Permit

Shipping – ship your samples to arrive at the lab on a timely basis. Follow the shipping instructions and practicesto minimize the opportunity for delays in transit.

International Shipping InstructionsDairy One has USDA-APHIS permission to import common feeds and forages of plant origin. We do not have permission to import animal products, animal byproducts or feeds containing either of the above. Any shipment found to include any type of animal product will be destroyed or returned to the shipper. Do not attempt to ship any animal products to the United States.

Follow the accompanying guidelines to ease the passage of your shipment through US Customs. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in your samples being destroyed.

It is recommended that pasture, silage and freshly harvested forages be dried prior to shipping. This will help prevent spoilage if the samples are delayed in transit. Follow the microwave drying instructions (Determining dry matter with a microwave) for drying your samples.

If it is not feasible to dry the samples, freeze them prior to shipping. Pack the samples on ice and select a delivery option to expedite shipping.

Samples should be securely packed in plastic bags or other sealable containers to prevent spillage and spoilage.

Clearly label all sample bags to correspond with the description of the sample on the Itemized Shipment List (List A.) and the Sample Information Sheets. Descriptions must be consistent to avoid delays when passing through US Customs.

B. Documentation
All shipments must include the following documentation. All sample descriptions and listings must be in English.

USDA Permit – apply for a copy of the permit (USDA Permit Request section above). Once obtained, the permit may be photocopied as often as required.

Itemized Shipment List (List A.) – provide an itemized listing of all samples in the shipment. The sample descriptions on this list must match the descriptions on the sample bags. (Itemized Shipment List, List A.)

Mixed Feed List (List B.) – a listing of the individual ingredients in a mixed or blended feed (e.g., total mixed rations, grain mixtures). A copy of List B. must be included for each mixed feed in the shipment. List B. is only required when submitting mixtures. (Mixed Feed List, List B.)

Sample Information Sheets – used by the laboratory to identify the sample and the analyses to be performed. All samples must be accompanied by a single or multiple sample information sheet. (Single and Multiple Information sheets).

C. Shipping

All samples must be in tightly sealed containers. Securely sealed plastic bags are used most commonly. If the sample is extremely wet or liquid, double bag or seal the container with heavy-duty tape to prevent leakage. Packages that leak will be rejected and destroyed by US customs.

All sample bags must be clearly labeled and identified. The identification on the bag must be the same as on List A.

Securely pack the samples to minimize shifting during transit. Be sure to freeze and pack the samples on ice if required.

Place the Sample Information Sheets inside the box and seal.

Place the USDA Permit, List A., and List B. in an envelope marked US Customs Documents. Securely tape the envelope to the outside of the box. Click here to see graphical shipping instructions.